06/18/2007
Vox began its guitar amplifier line in '57. Only a few years passed before the AC15 and AC30 models became true legends, defining the sound of the British Invasion both in the UK and around the world. Another 50 years have gone by, and Vox continues to lead and innovate, creating the gear for today's musical revolution. From its incomparable AC30 Custom Classic, through the metal-fronted AD and DA series, to the new Classic Plus series of amplifiers, not forgetting its tube effects pedals and processors, VOX has the sound, the features and a style all its own. That's why, after 50 years, everybody wants to rock with VOX.
Vox has a long and intricate history. Here is a timeline of its most important milestones:
1951
Company founder Tom Jennings creates The Jennings Organ Company, soon joined by JMI (Jennings Musical Instruments), the company responsible for VOX amplifiers.
The first Univox amplifier to be used with a guitar appears under the JMI brand.
1952
The first ads for Univox amps and keyboards appear in the British magazine Melody Maker.
1954
Jennings announces the “Rotary Action foot volume control,” in which the VOX name is used for the first time. Organ ads show the “foot swell control” (predecessor of the Vox volume pedal) and “Amplifier,” a self-amplified speaker used alongside the J-51 organ. This is the first time the Vox name is used for an amplifier.
1955
Lonnie Donegan popularizes “Skiffle” music and the “Beat Boom” is born.
Jennings thinks about producing guitar amplifiers. Vox announces the “Conversion Unit,” an add-on that lets you connect any electronic instrument to a Univox keyboard amplifier.
1956
With the Rock and Roll revolution under way, Jennings modifies the amplification section of his electronic organs for electric guitar, but the project stalls.
Elvis Presley's “Heartbreak Hotel” is a hit on the British charts.
1957
Dick Denney is hired as an engineer and Jennings Musical Industries (JMI) becomes a partnership.
The Cavern Club opens on Mathew Street in Liverpool, England.
Buddy Holly and the Crickets record “That'll Be the Day.”
1958
JMI builds an electric guitar amplifier under the Vox brand; it's called the AC1/15 because it combines an amplifier and a speaker and delivers 15 watts of power.
Cliff Richard's group, The Shadows, begin using AC15s and people start to learn the distinctive clean guitar sound of a VOX.
Jerry Lee Lewis and his “Great Balls of Fire” reach number 1.
CBS announces the new “stereo” records.
VOX introduces the AC4, a four-watt practice amp with an 8" speaker, and the AC10, with a 10" speaker.
The legendary VOX AC30/4 is developed in response to demands for more volume. Using four EL84 tubes, the amplifier has four inputs, two for the normal channel and two for the Vib/Trem or “Vibravox” channel.
Mick Jagger sees Buddy Holly at the Granada Cinema.
1960
The Shadows hit number one with their first instrumental, “Apache.” With a prominent AC30 sound on this and other hits, VOX becomes known as the No. 1 British amplifier.
Vox introduces the AC30/6 with six inputs, which include the “Brilliant” channel with bass and treble controls and “Top Boost” for greater sound definition.
The new VOX design is straw-colored, with a black panel, round black controls and the “Vox” sticker on the front.
1961
Vox introduces its first guitars, the “Stroller” and “Clubman,” inexpensive guitars that look like American instruments. The Shadows order three AC30s with VOX BLUE speakers developed with Celestion, key to the popularity of the VOX sound.
Elvis Presley and his “Are You Lonesome Tonight” are number 1.
1962
In partnership with Italian luthier EKO, VOX introduces the Phantom guitar with a classic trapezoidal body design. The Phantom is used by the Dave Clark Five and The Hollies.
The Beatles record “Love Me Do” using at least one AC15 Twin, and on stage they use straw-colored amps.
VOX introduces its Continental I organ, later known as the VOX Continental.
1963
The Beatles take their new black AC30s; it's the beginning of a very successful association with the brand.
Besides John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney, here are some of the guitarists who have used AC30s: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Ray Davies and Dave Davies of The Kinks, who immortalized the amp on “You Really Got Me.”
Construction of the handmade TEARDROP guitar for Brian Jones of the Stones. The “Victor” and “Verithin” hollowbody guitars are introduced, following the introduction of Hofner and a Gibson ES-335.
Vox introduces the small-format AC50 cabinet, which the Beatles use for their first visit to the USA.
To secure financing, Jennings sells a good part of VOX to the Royston Group.
1964
The Beatles take their AC100 amplifiers with Super Deluxe cabinets and use them for the first time in recording “Baby's in Black.”
The company introduces the innovative guitar-organ, which combines the Continental's oscillators so they can be blended with guitar sounds.
The VOX guitar line expands with new six-, four- and twelve-string models of the Phantom and Teardrop guitars, along with the “MANDO,” a short-scale 12-string mandolin.
VOX develops the VOX Echo Deluxe and Vox Radio microphones and its first transistor amplifier, the T60.
The Continental organ reaches number one with The Animals' “House of the Rising Sun,” Manfred Mann's “Doo Wah Diddy” and The Zombies' “She's Not There.”
The Vox catalog includes the new AC30 Super Twin Amps heads.
Vox reaches an agreement with Thomas Organ Company for the import of Vox into the USA.
1965
The “Super Beatle” amplifier features an internal tuner and Hammond reverb.
Thomas Supplements builds the transistor VOX amps in its labs.
All VOX USA amplifiers are built with transistors. JMI has almost 200 employees.
Fire sweeps through the Erith factory and destroys guitars, organs, amplifiers... including the amps the Beatles took on their American tour.
1966
New UL amps featuring a standby control and ground, for use in the USA. The electric dulcimer, the “bijou,” is built for Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones.
A new line of transistor amplifiers in the UK is introduced at the Music Fair in London. Rediffusion TV broadcasts “This Week,” a documentary about
the history of the guitar, partially filmed at JMI.
1967
New transistor amplifiers, including the “Conqueror,” “Defiant” and “Supreme” models, with exclusive features such as distortion, tremolo or VOX reverb.
The new “Dynamic,” “Foundation” and “Super Foundation” transistor bass amplifiers.
Designed to imitate the sound of a muted trumpet, the VOX wah-wah pedal is introduced and becomes one of the brand's most exclusive and recognized products. Average weekly production of Vox amplifiers is 250.
JMI is awarded the Queen's Award for Industry for 1967 for its export volume.
The Royston group takes control of VOX in the UK, and Jennings leaves the company.
1968
The BILL WYMAN bass model is introduced.
Tom Jennings founds a new company, Jennings Electronic Industries, and receives 20,000 pounds in compensation for wrongful dismissal.
1969
Royston Industries goes bankrupt and VOX is bought by Corinthian bank. The company is renamed VOX Sound Ltd.
Woodstock Music and Art Fair.
John Lennon does his last recording session with the Beatles at Abbey Road.
1970
Vox Sound Ltd is acquired by a consortium: Stolec Electronics and Schroder bank. Production moves to Hastings, where the organs and AC30s are built.
The AC30's tube rectifier is replaced by a transistor circuit and reverb is included. For now, no more tube VOX amps are made.
The Jackson Five score four number 1s.
1972
CBS Arbiter, Fender's UK importer, sells VOX. Tom Jennings is hired as a consultant and production moves to Arbiter's plant in Dallas, where another version of the AC30 is made.
VOX joins forces with Brian May, who combines walls of AC30s with a unique style that puts the brand at the top once again.
Arbiter reissues 300 VOX Continental I and Continental organs. A new version of the AC50 is introduced. The mini AC30, a small 2.5-watt battery-powered amplifier, is introduced. It later gains the option of mains power and is renamed the “ESCORT.”
1973
Besides Brian May, other guitarists who use Vox are Rory Gallagher and Paul Weller of The Jam.
Queen releases its first album.
1975
VOX introduces the Escort 30, a 30-watt transistor amplifier with the same finish as the original AC30.
The AC30SS is the “transistorized” version of the AC30, which puts out a more than decent sound.
1977
Hip hop DJ Grandwizard Theodore invents scratching.
1978
Despite the introduction of new models, such as the AC120 amp or the wah and Tone Bender pedals, CBS Arbiter decides to sell VOX Sound Ltd.
Company founder Tom Jennings dies of a heart attack while driving his E-Type Jaguar into his driveway.
1979
Rose Morris, officially a distributor of Marshall amplifiers, acquires VOX Sound Ltd., which becomes Vox Ltd, bought from CBS Arbiter. It also buys the VOX rights from the Thomas Organ Company.
Pink Floyd releases “The Wall.”
1980
VOX introduces the VOX V125, a modified AC120 with a head and an open-back cabinet with two 12" speakers. Later, the V125 Bass, the V15 tube combo, the Escort 50 Lead transistor amp and the Escort 50 Bass would make their debut.
John Lennon is murdered by Mark David Chapman.
1982
The company builds guitars again. It introduces the “Custom” and “Standard” models, high-quality instruments made in the Far East.
Michael Jackson's “Thriller” sells 20 million records, becoming the best-selling album in history.
1984
With third-party design and manufacturing, Vox begins producing “Venue” 100-watt combos for guitar, bass and keyboard. The GT100 acoustic guitar amplifier model is introduced, fitted with a high-frequency horn, along with the PA120 and PA200 PA models.
Venue amps were used by Style Council and The Smiths.
Van Halen's “Jump” is the first heavy metal song to enter the Billboard charts.
1985
The AC30 is relaunched with integrated circuits and less gain, to avoid tube quality problems and noise. The Korean “WhiteShadow” models replace the “Custom” and “Standard” models.
The LIVE AID concerts held in London and Philadelphia are broadcast worldwide.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opens in Cleveland, Ohio.
1986
The Venue series grows with the Dual 100, with two switchable channels. Tube Concert 501, CONCERT 100 and new 4 X 12 CABINETS, all with a new VOX Style.
Bon Jovi releases “Slippery When Wet,” one of the best-selling albums.
1988
Precision Electronics builds the new Q series and VOX AC30 transistor amplifiers.
CD sales surpass vinyl records for the first time.
1989
Rose Morris buys the Precision Electronics production plant and builds VOX amplifiers under the company name VOX Amplification, Ltd.
1990
A limited series of 1000 VOX AC30s is built to sound the same as the original sixties model, and is dubbed the “AC30 Limited Edition.” The amplifiers designed by DICK DENNEY return to VOX after 23 years. All of them carry a plate on the front with the amplifier's serial number.
1991
The new AC30 Vintage is launched, with reverb, inspired by the Limited Edition model and available in combo or head format. These models and the Limited Edition use Celestion G12M speakers; VOX Blue speakers are available as an option.
Here are some of the guitarists who use AC30s and other Vox amp models: The Edge of U2, Peter Buck of R.E.M., Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Ed O'Brien of Radiohead, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Carrie Brownstein of Sleater-Kinney, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, James Williamson of Iggy & The Stooges, Dave Grohl, Dwight Yoakam, Pete Doherty of Libertines and Babyshambles...
1992
Rose Morris and all its subsidiaries are acquired by KORG Inc. Rose Morris is renamed “KORG UK.”
William Jefferson Clinton is elected President of the United States of America.
Nirvana's Nevermind reaches number 1 on the sales charts.
1993
The VOXAC30 is introduced, trying to get as close as possible to the original specifications; it has the GZ34 rectifier tube (not used since the late 60s), Celestion Blue Alnico speakers and all the elements of the original design.
The classic VOX Wah pedal is introduced, built to the original's specifications, along with the Tone Bender fuzz pedal, built with germanium transistors. The book “The VOX Story” is published.
Last episode of the series “Cheers.”
1995
Jerry Garcia dies of cardiac arrest and the Grateful Dead break up.
1996
The new AC15 is introduced, designed after the original model and featuring reverb, master volume and tone controls.
1997
The AC1 is introduced, a one-watt battery-powered amplifier built with the same exterior design as the AC30, and fitted with two 2" speakers.
1998
The PATHFINDER, a 15-watt practice amp, and the Valve Tone and Distortion Booster effects pedals are introduced.
1999
VOXFest '99 is the first of many annual festivals for lovers of VOX and other vintage instruments from the “British Invasion” that took place in the USA in the 60s.
Ex-Beatle George Harrison is attacked by a stranger who believes he is the Devil. Harrison survives the attack.
2000
To follow up on the success of the Pathfinder, the “Cambridge” 30 Reverb and 30 Reverb Twin amps are introduced, both designed with two tube channels. The T-25 bass combo is introduced later.
Everlast appears on the back cover of the VOX catalog with AC30 amplifiers.
2001
VOX R&D becomes a division of Korg Europe. The revolutionary Valvetronix series is introduced, featuring the most sophisticated evolution of hybrid technology, with the best of both worlds and VOX's most outstanding sounds, housed in the T60 and Pathfinder 10 combos.
The VALVETRONIX series is introduced at NAMM in Nashville, with an appearance by John Jorgenson.
2002
The Vox T-15 bass combos and the Pathfinder 15 & 15R (reverb) are introduced at Musikmesse in Frankfurt.
The AC30 reappears when Lenny Kravitz sets up a wall of combos and cabinets on his tour.
2003
VOX introduces the UNION JACK wah pedal, with a colorful flag on the pedal body.
Matchbox 20 poses in an ad with the VOX AC30.
2004
The relationship between VOX and Brian May grows even closer with the introduction of the VBM-1 Brian May Amplifier. Vox produces its AC30 Handwired head and combo,
which receive excellent reviews. The Pathfinder 10, 15 and 15R models are relaunched.
Young artists begin choosing VOX as bands like Primus, Tarin and Our Lady Peace join the club.
2005
VOX R&D's headquarters are established in England. Tonelab is introduced, featuring two innovative advances, Valve Reactor and Valvetronix modeling technology, united in a desktop effects processor.
Vox introduces COOLTRON technology and launches the first wave of effects pedals that include a tube.
The new CHROME SERIES of Valvetronix amplifiers is introduced, aimed at a younger audience, with a new exterior design, great modeling sound and an extra touch of power.
Production moves to China and the AC30 Custom Classic series is introduced. VOX keeps scoring points, and artists like Meredith Brooks, Simple Plan and Slipknot use AC30 and Valvetronix amplifiers.
2006
The budget-priced DA5 series is introduced, available in different finish colors: red, pink or green, among others. VOX's popularity grows among various artists such as Jim Ward of Sparta, Claudio Sanchez of Coheed & Cambria and Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.
2007
The book “VOX Amplifier, the JMI Years” is published. Going a bit further in terms of sound, VOX introduces the AC50 and AC100 Classic Plus heads, along with their corresponding cabinets and combos. VOX celebrates its 50th anniversary in amplifier design with two custom AC15 models, the first of its new Heritage Collection line of amplifiers.